Legendary meeting: BMW 3.0 CSL meets BMW i8

Our sister magazine Bimmertoday went to Lake Como, Italy to drive back-to-back the new BMW i8 and the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL. The two cars …

Our sister magazine Bimmertoday went to Lake Como, Italy to drive back-to-back the new BMW i8 and the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL. The two cars are as different from each other as it can get; one it’s fully of tech and gadgets, while the other is a pure and raw machine that become a legend in the 70s.

The BMW E9 3.0 CSL was produced from 1968 to 1975. The 3.0 CSL is considered the first project by the BMW M division. The car was a lightweight, 3003cc sports model of the 3.0 coupe. Special racing models with 3.2-liter (340 hp/253 kW) and 3.5-liter (430 PS) engines and aerodynamic trimmings helped establish BMW as a premier racing team.

In 2015, the 3.0 CSL is a legend and part of BMW’s history forever, but the new kid on the block, the flagship car is now the highly tech-advanced BMW i8.

The carbon fiber-made sports car sells for over $135,000 and features an unique powertrain. The i8 uses its twin-turbo, 1.5 liter, three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and all-wheel drive to fire you in and out of corners with ferocity that simple, petrol-powered cars cannot match. Plus it looks like nothing else on the road.

The 1.5-liter combustion engine develops 170 kW/231 hp and drives the rear wheels of the BMW i8, while the 96 kW/131 hp electric drive sends its power to the front wheels and allows an all-electric range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).

Unfortunately we couldn’t drive the two cars back-to-back, but we can at least bring you an exclusive visual experience. Click below for more high-res photos.